Young kids can be community planners when they design their own spring village while nature takes care of the plant life. The wheatberries or rye grass seeds in the large drainage tray will sprout within a few days indoors, and with daily watering and lots of sunlight streaming through your window, they’ll grow so quickly your kids will be enthralled.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED

— Drainage saucer for a 10- to 12-inch flowerpot

— Fresh potting soil

— Large handful of wheat-berries (sold in bulk at grocery and natural-food stores) or rye grass seed

Wait for seeds to germinate. Then remove plastic wrap and place tray near a sunny window. Be amazed to see how rapidly the sprouts grow. Once they are about -3/4-inch high, start creating the village.

Clip some of the growth. Sprinkle sand and set pebbles and stones in the soil to construct winding pathways. Arrange the small objects — miniature toys, game pieces, trees made from twigs, tiny flowers cut from bright tissue paper and figures molded from clay.

To water the village green, use a clean, recycled honey-style bottle with a spout. Direct the water to the soil, avoiding the decorative items.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit donnas day.com and link to the Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”

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